Electric switch



sept. 4, 192s. 1,683,132

C. l. HALL ELECTRI C SW1 TCH Filed June 3. 1924 (I3 .Qi-1515:? l5 H I6 IB I4 22 l9 24 zu z5 (ilu-fier I. Hall)| Patented Sept. 4, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHESTER I. BALL, OF FORT WAYNE, lINDIANA, ASBXGEQB T GENERAL um COMPANY A. CORPORATION 0F NEW YORK.

nmicmuo miren.

Application led June 8, 1824. Serial No. htm.

My resent invention relates to improvements in electric switches and in particular to improvements in electric switches which are automatically operated responsively to the heating etl'ect of an electric current.

One of the objects of the invention is t provide a switch whicli may be manually closed, and either manuall,Y opened with a snap action or automatical y opened .with a l0 snap action in response to the heating efect of a predetermined current for a predetermined time interval.

Although not necessarily limited thereto, the invention is adapted to be embodied in a if" tumbler type of switch which is' opened and closed with a snap action in response to the operation of a pivoted buttonand is biased i to the position to which it is last operated.

The invention relates to various advan- 20 tageous features of construction and arran ements which will be pointed outparticu arly hereinafter, and the scope of the 1nvention will be indicated in the appended I claims. For a better understanding oi the "5 invention, reference is had to the accompanyin drawings which show an embodiment o the invention for purposes of illustration, and in which Fig. 1, is a sectional view of a switch of the tumbler type em- 3 bodying my invention, Fig. 2, is a. detailed perspective view of a part of the automatic actuating mechanism of the switch, and Fig. 3 dia rammatically shows the switch connecte to control the circuit of a translating 5 device.

Referring to Fig. 1, of the drawin it will be seen that the electric switch ein odying the invention in the preferred form shown comprises the enclosing base formed of l an insulating material such as porcelain suitably moulded to receive t-he tumbler actuating mechanism 11, the movable circuit controlling element 12, and the coeperating stationary contact members 13 and 14. Contact members 13 and 14 are electrically connected respectively to the switch terminals 15 and 16, which are suitably mounted on the base 10. f s

l The tumbler actuating mechanism 1f: may be of the type shown in Patent 844,533, t0 McGavock or in Patent 1,394,976 to- De Reamer and as the particular structure of this mechanism is not of the essence of my present invention, no further detailed description thereof is deemed necessary. However it will be evident that when the operating tumbler 17 is thrown from the p0- sition shown to the ri ht the circuit controlling element 12, will ge disengaged from the stations. contacts 13 and 14 with a snap action. ikewise upon the return of the operating tumbler 17 t'o the left, the movable circuit controlling element 12, will re-engage the stationary contacts 13 and 14 in a similar manner. Thus b operating the tumbler 17, the circuit contro ling element 11 may be oscillated between the on and the oi positions at will.

In accordance with my invention, an electrically controlled automatic actuating mechanism is provided for o erating the circuit controlling element 12 rom the on position and com rises in the form shown a controlling memlher 18 which is slidably supported in the tubular casing 19, an actuating spring 20, and a thermal-current responsive latch 21. The casing 19 is mounted in an opening in the base 10 and as shown the spring 20 is of the compression type and is interposed between the collarl 22, which is secured to the member 1 and the lower end of the tubular member 1 and serves to bias the u per end of the controlling member 18 into is secured to the operating tumbler 17 so as to move synchronously therewith.

As more clearl shown in Fig. 2 the lower end of the contro li member 18 is provided with an enlargednutton or shoulder 31 which is arranged to engage with the thermal-responsive latch 21 when the spring 20 is sufliciently compressed. The thermal current responsive latch 21, is shown as of the bi-metallic thermostatic type, and is secured at one end to the enclosing base 10 by the ins 24 and 25, with the free end extending into latching relation with the button or shoulder 31 of member 18 when cool. An electrical heating coil 26 of suitable proportion and design is disposed in heat conducting relation with the latch 21 and serves to effect the disenga ement of the free end of the latter from s4 oulder 31 in an obvious manner when energized by a predetermined current for a suiiicient time,

It will be observed that a supporting plate 27, having a slot throu h which the tumbler switch operating mein r .17 proJects, is s9- e-path of the auxiliary arm 23, which lll cured to the enclosing base and permits the entire switch mechanism to be mounted in a wall recess or switch box.

As diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 3` the tumbler switch embodying my invention in the form shown in Fig. 1, may be employed advantageously to control the connections of an electric translating device, such as for example the electric motor 28, to the supply lines 29 and 30. As shown the motor 28 is energized from the supply lines 29 and 30 through a circuit including the heating coil 26 and the circuit controlling element l2. It will bc observed that the thermal` responsive latch 21 is in latching engagement with the shoulder 31 of the controlling member 18 so as to maintain the latter in its lower position against the biasing force of the compression spring 20. Under these conditions, the circuit controlling element 12 may be oscillated at will by means of the tumbler.4 operating handle 1 between the on and the off positions to correspondingly connect and disconnect the motor 28 from the supply lines 29 and 30.

It will be understood that the heating coil 26 is not energized sufficiently by the normal running current of motor 28 to effect movement of the thermal responsive latch 21 from the shoulder 31. However, should the motor 28 become overloaded and receive an excessive current 'from the supply lines 29 and 30, the heating effect of coil 26 will be correspondingly increased and after a predetermined time interval will cause the thermal responsive latch 21 to flex out of engagement with the shoulder 31 of the controlling member 18. Thereupon the controlling member 18 is released and rnoves under the biasing force of spring 20, to operate the tumbler handle 17 from the position shown and thereby effect the opening of the circuit controlling element with a snap action as previously described.' Thus, motor 28 is automatically disconnected from the supply lines 29 and 30 a predetermined time interval after the occurrence of overload conditions.

When the thermal responsive latch 21 has cooled suiiciently to return into latching relation with the shoulder 31, the motor 28 may be again connected to the su ply lines 29 and 30 by operating the tumbller handle 17 to the left. This effects the closure of the circuit controlling element 12 with a snap action and at the same time compresses the spring and returns the shoulder 31 of member 18 into latching enga ement with the thermal responsive latc 21. The rounded surface of the shoulder causes the latch to move laterally while the switch is being closed and the latch then moves to the position shown in the drawings when the switch is closed.

In accordance with the provision of the patent statutes I have described the principle of operation of my invention together4 with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, but I would have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention may be carried out by other means.

lVhat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. In an electric switch, the combination with a movable switch member, of means including a resilient member for operating the switch member with a snap action to and from one position, a second resilient member arranged to be put under strain upon operation of the switch member to the said one position for operating the switch member therefrom with a snap action, and a thermalresponsive latch for controlling the operation of said second resilient member in response to predetermined temperature conditions.

2. In an electric switch, the' combination with a movable switch member havin a circuit closing and a circuit opening position, of an independently movable member for operating the switch element between said positions, a spring connection between the operating member and the switch element for effecting snap action of the switch element each way between said positions upon operation of the operating member, a second spring disposed to be pnt under strain to move the operating member to return the switch element to the open osition upon operation thereof to the closedp position, and a thermal-responsive latch for holding the said spring out of operative relation with the said operating member and arranged to release the spring responsively to the heating effect of the current in Athe circuit controlled by the switch.

3. A thermal responsive snap switch comprisin a circuit controlling element arrange to be operated between a circuit closing position and 4a circuit opening position and biased to each of said positions when operated thereto, a controlling member arranged to be put under strain by the operation of said switch member to the circuit closing position for returning the switch member to the open position, and a latch arranged to engage the said controlling member and hold the same against the strain thereof, the said latch arranged to release the controlling member responsively to the heating effect of the current in the circuit oontrolled by the switch.

4. In an electric switch, the combination withl a pivoted circuit controlling element, of tumbler actuating mechanism for oscillating the said element between two positions biasing the samato the last position to whlch it is oscillated, and an automatic actuating mechanism for the .Said circuit Qontrolling element comprising a controlling member arranged to be biased upon operation of said element to one of said positions to return the said element to the other position and a thermal current responsive latch for holding the said member against the bias thereof.

`5. In a manually operable electric switch, the combination with a pivoted circuit controlling element adapted to be oscillated at will between two positions, of an electrically controlled actuating mechanism for the said element comprising an arm connected to the said element to move therewith, a controlling member biased into operative relation with the said arm for returninezthe said element from one of said positions to the other position, a thermostatic latch for holding the said member against its bias and elec trical means for heating the said latch to release the said operating member.

6. The combination With a manually operable two-position tumbler switch mechanism of the class described and an inclosin base therefor having an opening therein, o automatic means for actuating the said mechanism comprising an arm secured to the oper- `ating tumbler of said mechanism to move synchronously therewith, a controlling member having one end extending through the opening in the said base and provided with a shoulder, a spring for biasing the said member into operative engagement with said arm to actuate the said mechanism from one of the said positions to the other position, a thermostatic latch disposed in latching relation with the said shoulder for holding the said plunger against the bias of said spring, and electrical means connected in circuit with said switch for heating the said latch to release the said member responsivelv to a predetermined current in said circuit.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of May` 1924.

CHESTER I. HALL.

ISOLAIME'R 1,683 lill-Chester I. Hall, Fort Wa e, Ind. ELECTRIC SWITCH. Patent dated september 4, 192s. Disclaimer Electric Company.

is in the fo owing words, to wit:

ed August 18, 1933, by the assignee, 'General Hereb disclaims the subjeit-matter of claim 5 of the said Letters Patent which 5. In a manually operable electric switch, the combination with a pivoted circuit controlling element adapted to be oscillated at will between two positions, of an electrically controlled actuating mechanism for the said element comprising an arm connected to the said element to move therewith, a controlling member Y biased into operative relation with the said arm for returning the said element from one of said positions to the other position, a thermostatic latch for holding the said member against its bias'and electrical means for heating the latch to release the said operating member."

Your petitioner alsd hereby enters the ffollowing disclaimer as to claims 1, 3, and

4 of the said Letters Patent:

The invention set forth in claim 1 except when the switch structure embodies means for producing the predetermined temperature conditions which affect the latch and exce heid ty the 1am t W en the`switch member, while the second nesilient member is is movable, in its normal operations, to and from the one position inde endently of and 4without affecting the latclied resilient member.

lilhe invention as set forth in claim 3 except when the switch structure embodies the means responsive to thel current in the circuit controlled by the switch for producing the heat which aiects the latch t release the controlling member, and except when the circuit-,controlling element or switch member, while the controlhng member is held by the latch, is movable, in its normal operations, between the circuitaffecting the hitched' controlling member.

position and the circuit-opening position independently of and without The invention as set forth in claim 4 except when the switch structure embodies means responsive .to the current in the circuitn controlled by the switchffor roducmg the heat which aiects the latch, and except when the circuitfcontrolling e ement or member, while the-controlling member is held by the latch, is movable, in its .normal operations, between the two positions independently of and without affecting the` latched controlling member.

[O ieial-Gazuu Spumbf 19, 1933.]

ling element comprising a controlling member arranged to be biased upon operation of said element to one of said positions to return the said element to the other position and a thermal current responsive latch for holding the said member against the bias thereof.

`5. In a manually operable electric switch, the combination with a pivoted circuit controlling element adapted to be oscillated at will between two positions, of an electrically controlled actuating mechanism for the said element comprising an arm connected to the said element to move therewith, a controlling member biased into operative relation with the said arm for returninezthe said element from one of said positions to the other position, a thermostatic latch for holding the said member against its bias and elec trical means for heating the said latch to release the said operating member.

6. The combination With a manually operable two-position tumbler switch mechanism of the class described and an inclosin base therefor having an opening therein, o automatic means for actuating the said mechanism comprising an arm secured to the oper- `ating tumbler of said mechanism to move synchronously therewith, a controlling member having one end extending through the opening in the said base and provided with a shoulder, a spring for biasing the said member into operative engagement with said arm to actuate the said mechanism from one of the said positions to the other position, a thermostatic latch disposed in latching relation with the said shoulder for holding the said plunger against the bias of said spring, and electrical means connected in circuit with said switch for heating the said latch to release the said member responsivelv to a predetermined current in said circuit.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of May` 1924.

CHESTER I. HALL.

ISOLAIME'R 1,683 lill-Chester I. Hall, Fort Wa e, Ind. ELECTRIC SWITCH. Patent dated september 4, 192s. Disclaimer Electric Company.

is in the fo owing words, to wit:

ed August 18, 1933, by the assignee, 'General Hereb disclaims the subjeit-matter of claim 5 of the said Letters Patent which 5. In a manually operable electric switch, the combination with a pivoted circuit controlling element adapted to be oscillated at will between two positions, of an electrically controlled actuating mechanism for the said element comprising an arm connected to the said element to move therewith, a controlling member Y biased into operative relation with the said arm for returning the said element from one of said positions to the other position, a thermostatic latch for holding the said member against its bias'and electrical means for heating the latch to release the said operating member."

Your petitioner alsd hereby enters the ffollowing disclaimer as to claims 1, 3, and

4 of the said Letters Patent:

The invention set forth in claim 1 except when the switch structure embodies means for producing the predetermined temperature conditions which affect the latch and exce heid ty the 1am t W en the`switch member, while the second nesilient member is is movable, in its normal operations, to and from the one position inde endently of and 4without affecting the latclied resilient member.

lilhe invention as set forth in claim 3 except when the switch structure embodies the means responsive to thel current in the circuit controlled by the switch for producing the heat which aiects the latch t release the controlling member, and except when the circuit-,controlling element or switch member, while the controlhng member is held by the latch, is movable, in its normal operations, between the circuitaffecting the hitched' controlling member.

position and the circuit-opening position independently of and without The invention as set forth in claim 4 except when the switch structure embodies means responsive .to the current in the circuitn controlled by the switchffor roducmg the heat which aiects the latch, and except when the circuitfcontrolling e ement or member, while the-controlling member is held by the latch, is movable, in its .normal operations, between the two positions independently of and without affecting the` latched controlling member.

[O ieial-Gazuu Spumbf 19, 1933.] 

